Pablo Mastroeni says 'I have to prove myself again' with Galaxy

New Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni spent the last 11-plus years with the Colorado Rapids, where he was the team's most valuable player in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

New Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni spent the last 11-plus years with the Colorado Rapids, where he was the team's most valuable player in 2007, 2008 and 2010. (Chris Schneider / Associated Press)

Jim Peltz

Pablo Mastroeni, the veteran midfielder acquired by the Galaxy last week, said he's already comfortable with his new team but still must prove he deserves playing time.

"I have to reinvent myself in a way, I have to prove myself again," Mastroeni, a six-time Major League Soccer all-star, said in a podcast on the Galaxy's website Tuesday. "This is a new, exciting phase for me."

Mastroeni, 36, spent the last 11-plus years with the Colorado Rapids, where he was the team's most valuable player in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

He also led Colorado to its first MLS title in 2010, and Mastroeni has made 65 appearances with the U.S. national team, which included playing at the World Cup in 2002 and 2006.

But Mastroeni missed most of last season with concussion-related symptoms that required months of recovery.

"I had to overcome those fears [of another concussion] in order to get back on the field and be able to play again," Mastroeni said. "Once I was able to do that, I started feeling myself again and really the love for the game came back to me."

As for the Galaxy, the reigning MLS champion, it's a "spirited, competitive group" that has made his arrival "very seamless," Mastroeni said.

His goal now is "be who I am and really gain the respect on the field," he said.